The legacy of Carl Weathers, the beloved actor and former NFL linebacker, continues to echo through Hollywood. This week, Adam Sandler opened up about just how central Weathers was to the upcoming Happy Gilmore 2—and how the star’s untimely passing forced a heartfelt rewrite of the highly anticipated sequel.

Weathers, best known for his iconic roles as Apollo Creed in Rocky and as Chubbs Peterson in the original Happy Gilmore, died peacefully at age 76 on February 1, 2025. His death was mourned by fans and colleagues alike, with Sandler leading the tributes. But, as Sandler revealed in a recent interview with Collider, Weathers’ presence was also meant to be felt in a very big way on screen this summer.

Chubbs Peterson: From Mentor to Movie Legend

For many fans, Chubbs Peterson is as much a part of the Happy Gilmore legacy as Sandler’s hockey-stick-wielding golfer himself. In the 1996 sports comedy, Weathers brought warmth, wisdom, and a sly sense of humor to the role of Happy’s one-handed mentor—a performance that became an instant fan favorite.

“Carl Weathers had a massive part,” Sandler, now 58, told Collider. “We had to rewrite a lot of the stuff, and even what the story was.” According to Sandler, early drafts of the script for Happy Gilmore 2 had Chubbs playing a central role, both in Happy’s life and in the film’s emotional arc.

“I would talk to Carl, and we were excited, and then Carl passed away,” Sandler said. “We had to rewrite a lot of the stuff, and even what the story was. We made a lot of nice references to how great Chubbs was in the movie. That was the biggest change.”

Honoring Chubbs in the Sequel

The original Happy Gilmore saw Chubbs meet a comically tragic end—falling out of a window after Happy surprises him with the alligator that took his hand. Yet, even in death, Chubbs returned in a memorable “heaven” cameo, cementing his place in the hearts of fans.

Sandler and co-writer Tim Herlihy initially envisioned an even deeper role for Chubbs in the sequel. “In the first version that we came up with, he had a son,” Sandler explained. “He was coming back to me a lot in my dreams, and he had a son who was mad at Happy for causing the death of daddy.”

Director Kyle Newacheck echoed the sentiment, telling Collider in April, “You can’t make Happy Gilmore without Chubbs Peterson. He may not be by Happy’s side anymore, but he’s on his shoulder.” Newacheck assured fans that Weathers’ spirit remains woven throughout the new film.

From Script to Tribute

The loss of Weathers forced Sandler and his creative team to rethink the sequel’s direction. “It was a painful change,” Sandler admitted. “We wanted to honor Carl and Chubbs in a way that felt right.” The result? A script filled with references and tributes to Chubbs, ensuring that the character’s wisdom and heart still guide Happy on his journey—even if Weathers can no longer appear in new scenes.

Fans can expect nods to Chubbs’ legacy, both subtle and overt, as Happy faces new challenges on and off the golf course. “His presence is everywhere,” said Sandler. “We wanted to make sure everyone knows how much Chubbs meant to Happy, and to all of us.”

Remembering a Legend

After Weathers’ passing, Sandler took to Instagram to share a deeply personal tribute. “A true great man. Great dad. Great actor. Great athlete. So much fun to be around always,” Sandler wrote. “Smart as hell. Loyal as hell. Funny as hell. Loved his sons more than anything. What a guy!! Everyone loved him. My wife and I had the best times with him every time we saw him.”

Weathers’ family also issued a statement, calling him “an exceptional human being who lived an extraordinary life.” They added, “Through his contributions to film, television, the arts and sports, he has left an indelible mark and is recognized worldwide and across generations. He was a beloved brother, father, grandfather, partner and friend.”

The Sequel: Old Friends and New Faces

Happy Gilmore 2, set to premiere on Netflix July 25, reunites much of the original cast. Sandler returns as Happy, joined by Christopher McDonald (Shooter McGavin), Julie Bowen, Ben Stiller, and Dennis Dugan. Newcomers include NFL star Travis Kelce and music sensation Bad Bunny, promising a fresh twist for a new generation of fans.

Director Newacheck promises that, while the film will deliver the laughs and wild antics fans expect, it will also pay heartfelt tribute to Weathers and his unforgettable character. “The spirit of Chubbs is throughout the sequel,” he said. “He’s not just a memory—he’s part of the story.”

Hollywood and Fans Reflect

The news of Weathers’ intended role in the sequel has struck a chord with fans, many of whom took to social media to share their favorite Chubbs moments and express their gratitude for Weathers’ legacy. “No Chubbs, no Happy. Thank you, Carl, for the laughs and the heart,” wrote one fan on X. Another added, “Can’t wait to see how they honor him in the sequel. He’ll always be part of the family.”

Industry colleagues have also weighed in. “Carl brought so much heart to every role,” said Julie Bowen, who played Virginia Venit in the original film. “He made everyone around him better—on screen and off.”

The Impact of a Loss

The challenge of moving forward without Weathers has been felt deeply by the Happy Gilmore team. “It’s tough,” Sandler admitted. “You can’t replace someone like Carl. But we hope this movie makes him proud.”

As Hollywood continues to mourn one of its most versatile talents, Happy Gilmore 2 stands as both a celebration of comedy and a tribute to a man whose impact transcends the screen.

Looking Forward

With the sequel’s release just days away, anticipation is at an all-time high. Fans are eager to see how Sandler and company have honored Weathers’ legacy, and how the irrepressible spirit of Chubbs Peterson lives on.

For Sandler, the message is simple: “We miss Carl every day. But his laughter, his kindness, and his love for the game—and for life—are what this movie is all about.”